Native American

¹

[ ney-tiv uh-mer-i-kuhn ]

noun

1. Indian ( def 1 ).
2. a member of any of the aboriginal peoples of the Americas, including Indians and non-Indians.

native American

²

noun

1. a person born in the United States.

Native American

noun

1. A member of the indigenous peoples of North America

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Native Americans or any of their languages

Sensitive Note

See Indian, Eskimo.

Other Words From

• native-A·meri·can adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Native American¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Hornbuckle, on the other hand, says the policy will not put Native American nations in danger.

From The Daily Beast

According to Vieira, most of the bones unearthed had to be reburied in accordance with the Native American Repatriation Act.

From The Daily Beast

For instance, South Dakota celebrates a Native American Day, while Alaska opts instead for Alaska Day on Oct. 18.

From The Daily Beast

When he returned, the slave had died and so had the young Native American, who no one knew was in the home.

From The Daily Beast

A bunch of Native American kids from the rez are the basketball kings of Wyoming.

From The Daily Beast

All Native American words have been kept as originally printed, including those with variation in hyphenation or spelling.

From Project Gutenberg

The Senator inveighs against the Native American party; but his own principle is narrower than any attributed to them.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor am I reviving what may be called the old Native American cry, for we have outlived that.

From Project Gutenberg

During the Native American excitement of 18—, the Marbleheaders entered into the movement with enthusiasm.

From Project Gutenberg

For a time the Native American party seemed likely to take the place of the moribund Whig party.

From Project Gutenberg